Gemotions

"…and for Clara, the family mansion, and the family silver set." The words sliced through Leo’s ears like a rusty blade. He leaned back in his chair, feeling suddenly faint. His sister, Clara, had never lifted a finger to help their parents, yet she was being rewarded with the most valuable assets. His inheritance? A small, dilapidated apartment building and the late family dog, a smelly, elderly Labrador named Barnaby.

He crossed his arms, the action a rigid gesture of defiance. His chest tightened. Years of dutiful service, of late nights tending to their ailing mother, felt like a complete waste. He wanted to scream, to lash out.

He rose from his seat, abruptly, and walked out without a word. He would not dignify this insult with a response.